ROCKFORD — A conference this Saturday in Rockford aims to provide resources to the fastest growing veteran demographic in Illinois: Women.

About 20 local, state and federal vendors will present information on benefits and programs that support women who’ve served in the armed forces at the Northern Illinois Conference for Women Veterans. The free event runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St.

“With women veterans making up the fastest-growing and yet most under-served demographic in our Illinois veteran community, events like this are vital in helping women veterans own their unique veteran experience, get benefits and contribute,” said Erica Borggren, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

The conference is open to female veterans and women who are currently serving. The event includes a professional attire fashion show, to assist women in preparing for dressing professionally for interviews, and an open forum to discuss entrepreneurship.

With more women serving in armed forces, the IDVA found a need to hold an event to address the many issues women face when they become veterans. The state of Illinois has about 764,000 veterans, including roughly 67,000 women veterans, according to the IDVA. That number of female veterans in Illinois is expected to double by 2035.

“We want to have veterans succeed by giving them a stable environment, making sure they have good jobs, and giving them access to programs,” said Ryan Yantis, communication manager of the Illinois veterans affairs department.

The Rockford Veteran Center will provide workshops at the event on military sexual trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including a spiritual workshop on PTSD with speaker Linda McClenehan of the Racine Dominicans. There will also be speakers from the Madison Veterans’ Administration Medical Center, the Rockford Veterans’ Center and the Small Business Development Center.

Veteran service officers from the IDVA will also be on-hand Saturday to assist veterans at the event.

“The conference offers veterans an opportunity to connect with other women veterans and learn about the benefits that they have earned as a result of their honorable service,” said Jessica Parker, a veteran’s service officer of the IDVA who served in the Illinois Army National Guard for 9 years.

The IDVA has partnered with the Veterans’ Assistance Commission of Stephenson County to hold the event.

Those who cannot attend are encouraged to visit the IDVA website — veterans.illinois.gov — or call 1-800-437-9824 to find a local veteran service officer.